//------------------------------// // The Revelation // Story: Being A True Dragon And Friend // by Starlight Fan //------------------------------// Smolder was currently skipping a rock in the lake when suddenly Spike crawled out of the bush nearby, all disheveled much to her shock, “What happened to you?” “Just getting in touch with my inner dragon. It’s not like we’re supposed to sleep indoors.” Spike smiled nervously. “I… guess not.” Smolder said with a raised eyebrow, “But I live in the school. Nothing says we have to sleep outside.” “I'm so confused. It's been great having Sludge show me how to be a real dragon at first, but then Starlight brought up how she felt he was using me and… I’m not sure what to believe.” Spike sighed. “Hmm, given you’re sleeping outside I have reason to believe something’s up.” Smolder sat next to her fellow dragon, “Why don’t you tell me everything Sludge told you about being a dragon.” Starlight covered her eyes as she stepped into the daylight, she had just woken up so the sunlight was a bit sensitive to her right now, she was only doing this because Spike was still outside and knew he needed to come back in. “Spike… you out here?” Starlight asked, clearly tired. Suddenly Spike ran over with Smolder nearby, “Starlight! You were right! Sludge was using me!” Starlight was shocked, yet elated to hear Spike was finally seeing reason. “Wait? You believe me now?” Starlight smiled giddily. “Yes! I mean, Smolder made it clear. I was basically waiting on him claw and tail the whole time, though I think your little tirade helped me see that he was using me.” Spike said before sighing, “Starlight. I’m so sorry.” “I appreciate it Spike, but it’s not me you have to apologize to.” Starlight told the dragon solemnly who sighed, “I guess so. Should I talk to Twilight now?” “Not just yet. A certain parasite needs his comeuppance.” Starlight smirked mischievously, “Whoa. I’ve never seen you like this before Starlight.” Smolder said in shock. “You should see her villain days.” Spike whispered to Smolder. “Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do.” Starlight smirked, choosing to ignore Spike’s comment about her past. Spike is then seen packing up some stuff when Sludge walks in eating a cupcake and wearing a robe. “Hey. What’s going on son?” Sludge asked with a nonchalant smile. “Twilight doesn’t like that there are real dragons in her castle, so I told her we’re moving out.” Spike said happily. Sludge almost choked at his cupcake when he heard that and ran over to Spike, “You’re what?!” Soon Starlight popped in with a smile, “Yep. You’re moving out. After all, Twilight does own this castle after all so she makes the final call.” Sludge stammered before Smolder flew in through the window, “Spike. I found a perfect cave for you and Sludge. There aren’t any comfortable rocks.” “Ah. Sounds perfect.” Spike smirked. “No it isn’t!” Sludge said in horror before smiling nervously, “I mean… maybe Twilight could reconsider, I haven’t taught Spike how to truly live like a dragon in here.” “Oh no. You aren’t living here anymore so what does it matter?” Starlight asked snidely with a smirk, “I think you sang this if I’m correct.” “This bed is much too soft.” Starlight sang happily. “Just take this silk robe off.” Spike sang along as Starlight used her magic to take Sludge’s robe off. “You can’t be dragons living here.” Starlight finished. Soon all eyes were on the pillow on the bed, soon Sludge grabbed one side of the pillow as Starlight, Spike, and Smolder pulled on the other side, the former doing so with magic when Sludge finally let go and snapped, “I’M NOT YOUR FATHER! I just said that to get in this sweet castle life.” “What?” Spike asked in shock. “I knew it!” Starlight narrowed her eyes furiously. “Hey, don’t look at me like that, I did what any dragon would do.” Sludge said in defense to which Smolder narrowed her eyes, “No. You didn’t.” “Hey. I saw an opportunity and I took it. That’s what dragons do.” Sludge said angrily. “No. They don’t.” Smolder leered angrily. “You know what, I don’t need this. Enjoy living in pony town.” Sludge rolled his eyes as he began to fly out the window as Spike sighs sadly. Soon Sludge came back and grabbed the pillow, “I’m taking this pillow.” That was the last straw for Starlight, she soon clutched Sludge with her magic and used her magic to give the pillow back to Spike. “Like Tartarus you are.” Starlight said angrily. “H-Hey, what gives?” Sludge asked with a gulp. “You being a lazy bunch of scales, being rude as can be, and throwing me out of the window I can get over, but the way you unapologetically manipulated Spike the way you did is something I will NOT forgive.” Starlight began ranting before getting up close to Sludge’s face with a narrowed glare, “So I’m gonna give you a warning. Unless you seek redemption, REAL redemption by the way, you will stay away from Spike and Twilight or I will get Celestia and Luna involved, who are the rulers of Equestria might I add, is that clear?” Sludge gulped and nodded profusely, “Good. Now get out.” Starlight commands sternly to which she lets Sludge go as he flies out of the castle with a bunch of whimpering. Starlight took a deep breath to calm down and then saw Smolder staring at her with wide eyes. “Whoa. Who knew you could be so scary?” Smolder asked breathlessly. “Don’t worry. This side of me rarely comes out.” Starlight said reassuringly, “That’s reserved for villains and menaces like Sludge. You’ll hardly see this side of me ever.” “Well that’s a relief.” Smolder sighed with a smile before brightening up, “Though that was pretty cool.” Soon Spike sighed and spoke up, “I can’t believe I thought somepony like that could teach me how to be anything.” “It must be hard not knowing who you really are.” Smolder said sympathetically. “That’s the thing. I know exactly who I am, and how I got there.” Spike said fondly much to Starlight’s happiness. Spike and Starlight soon walked over to the library and saw Twilight was levitating the books back into the shelves. “Hey Twilight.” Spike said happily before Twilight turned to him sadly, “Oh, hi. Where’s your… father?” “He’s gone. Turns out he wasn't what a real dragon should be after all. He also wasn't my real dad.” Spike said solemnly. “Oh Spike.” Twilight said sympathetically, “I’m so sorry.” “I’m the one who’s sorry. You were just worried about me and I lost my temper. Sludge was nothing but a bully.” Spike said angrily. “I can think of other words to describe him, but they’re not suited for this conversation.” Starlight rolled her eyes with a smirk. “I have to say; I’m not surprised. There is no way someone like Sludge can be related to you.” Twilight admitted. “Besides, I know who my true family is. It’s you.” Spike said happily before hugging Twilight, “After all, family is more than just blood relation.” He looks at Starlight fondly making her smile tearfully. “You want in on this hug, don’t you?” Twilight asked teasingly. “No no. This is your moment not mine.” Starlight waved off with tears of joy. “Don’t be silly, you’ve earned it.” Twilight told Starlight before outstretching a hoof for Starlight who immediately joined the hug. Starlight was glad to have friends like Twilight and Spike, that’s why she always would be there for them. Even at their worst, like Spike was at this time. That’s what you do for friends and family, you look out each other.